Protective shoe cover

ABSTRACT

A soft shoe cover protects shoes from stains from falling liquid and other matter. The shoe cover comprises a toe cup and arms. The arms wrap around the back of a user&#39;s ankle. The arms cover the top line of the shoe and leave the and heel and the lower portion of the quarter exposed. The arms are sufficiently wide to cover a topline of the shoe and an upper portion of a shoe quarter. The arms extend rearwardly from the toe cup and are joined behind the user&#39;s ankle. The arms and the toe cup define an open area around the shoe&#39;s heel. Releasable securing means, e.g., hook and mesh fastener, join the arms to hold the shoe cover in place. The construction provides adequate tensile strength for holding the cover to a shoe and around an ankle as a user moves, maintaining the shape of the shoe cover.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/849,034 filed May 16, 2019 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present subject matter relates to a protective covering employed substantially at floor level to protect against falling matter from a work area adjacent to a user and more particularly to a protective shoe cover to protect shoes of a user from liquid or solid matter falling from an object adjacent the user.

BACKGROUND

A prevalent example of a protective covering employed substantially at floor level is a shoe cover. Shoe covers are used for many different purposes. The shoe cover may protect against falling objects or liquids.

Some shoe covers are designed for protection in a machine shop. They include hard protective components to protect against industrial hazards, such as heavy falling pieces or objects inadvertently propelled by machine tools. The shoe covers are primarily designed to prevent injury to the wearer. Protection of the shoe is a secondary concern. These shoe covers would look out of place in a retail establishment due to their industrial nature.

A common form of shoe cover is the paper moccasin. The paper moccasin is well-suited for applications such as semiconductor manufacturing clean rooms. The paper moccasins may provide traction problems. The moccasin material is designed to meet the purpose of containing contaminants within the moccasin. There is generally no concern as to protecting shoes since clean room environments do not present significant risk of damage to shoes. Further, clean room workers do not have any need to present a fashionable appearance as would beauty salon stylists. Manufacturing employees have an incentive to wear old shoes that would not be presentable in a retail establishment.

Others may seek to isolate a shoe in an environment where medical contamination is either present or would be introduced by a shoe. The shoe cover may be a general-purpose shoe cover. Such shoe covers may not be optimized for a particular application. In an environment in which a single purpose will be served by shoe covers, it is cost-effective to provide shoe covers particularly suited to that purpose. The prior art discloses all-purpose shoe covers for particular environments. The design of prior shoe covers generally accounts for protection against a particular hazard, but does not account for an overall shoe design to optimize utility of the shoe cover versus complexity of construction.

Shoe covers have been provided which protect shoes but may not be ideally suited for the current purpose. Industrial shoe covers generally comprise heavy duty articles which would be out of place in a hairdressing salon. Others may be difficult to put on and take off readily. Yet others may have a particular configuration which does not optimize utility of the shoe cover with respect to significance of protection of selected portions of the shoe.

European Patent Application Publication No. EP 2 064 964 A1 discloses a reusable adjustable cover for shoes in which a front portion covers a vamp and sole. It is constructed to absorb shock of objects falling on the toe. An elastic band loops around the back of an upper. An antistatic assembly is provided adjacent the sole. This cover is for protection against impact and not for protection from spills and stains. It is more complicated in construction than a one-piece cover.

The prior art discloses publications of shoe covers for hair stylists, also referred to in the art as hairdressers. These shoe covers cover a shoe but have significant operational shortcomings. One prior shoe cover comprises a silicone piece draped over a shoe. The silicone shoe cover is washable and reusable. It is bulky and cumbersome and not designed for maximum ease for placing on and removing from the shoe. Further, it can unduly result in heating of the hair stylist's feet. Another shoe cover for hair stylists comprises a silicone overshoe which covers a hair stylist's shoe. It does not selectively cover portions of the hair stylist's shoe and does not account for covering a portion of a sole where a hair stylist may step on hair dye drops on a floor.

U.S. Pat. No. 454,375 discloses an overshoe which covers a front of the shoe. Straps extending from the overshoe are secured around an ankle. The strap does not cover the top of the shoe surrounding an ankle. The sole, lower side portion and toe are preferably of leather. The overshoe may include a steel reinforcement plate. While this patent states the objective of keeping shoes clean, there is not a teaching of closing a cover over a topline of a shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,174 discloses a cover for a shoe which has a groove around a front of the sole. The cover for the front of the upper has a rim at the bottom which slides into the groove to cover only the toe. In order to provide reliable mounting of the cover to the shoe, rigid portions must be provided. This makes for additional complexity in manufacturing.

Australian Patent Application Publication No. AU 2018100942 A4 discloses a shoe cover provided to protect a shoe from falling hair clippings and sharp objects. The protective cover does not include a portion contacting the floor. The cover is not usable by itself, but also requires cooperation with the shoe. A hook and mesh fastener fastens the cover to the front of the shoe. Before use, a mesh must be attached to the shoe. This requires modification of the shoe, which is undesirable.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,382,748 discloses a cover that extends over the front of a shoe. An elastic band extends around the back of the wearer's ankle. Elastic bands below the sole hold the cover against the upper. The elastic band does not cover the quarter of the shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,633 discloses a sole-less shoe top cover made of flexible fabric and which uses elastic to surround the ankle portion of a boot and a sole. This item is complex in construction. It requires an elastic strap beneath the shoe instep. This cover is inconvenient to use and has a definite industrial look unsuitable for salons.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,425,731 discloses a pocket that covers a front of a shoe and has ties extending for being secured around an ankle. The pocket is made of rubber. Protection is not provided for most of the shoe.

Factors which discourage use of currently existing shoe covers are that they are unsightly, inconvenient to use, and provide limited protection. For example, hospital shoe covers include paper to surround a shoe with elastic around an opening that receives the shoe. The shoe cover prevents transfer of dirt from a shoe to a surrounding area. It is not primarily intended to protect a shoe. The elastic around the opening cannot be tightened should it be necessary to do so in order to cover a vamp of a shoe. The shoe covers often cover an entire shoe. They do not leave a heel uncovered. Hair stylists frequently wear shoes that have a rubber sole to avoid slipping and provide traction on a slippery floor often covered with hair cuttings. Covering the heel may result in reduced traction and safety.

SUMMARY

Briefly stated, in accordance with the present subject matter a soft shoe cover is provided for protecting shoes from stains resulting from falling liquid and other undesirable matter. One use of this innovation is protection of shoes from hair dyes used by stylists. Also, the cover will prevent hair from lodging between a topline of a shoe and the user's foot or hosiery. The present subject matter is also useful in other contexts in which the user works in close quarters with the source of undesirable matter, must face the source, and is subject to a lower risk of damage from other sources coming from other directions. Users in this category include artists, chemists, and health care professional attending to a patient. Construction of the shoe cover deliberately leaves certain portions of the shoe uncovered. The construction optimizes utility of the shoe cover with respect to risk of damage to the shoe. Leaving selected portions of the shoe uncovered contributes to both safety and utility. Safety is enhanced by leaving a heel uncovered to enable improved traction. Utility is enhanced by facilitating convenient placement and removal of the shoe cover.

The shoe cover comprises a toe cup and arms. The arms wrap around the back of an ankle of a user. The arms cover the top line of the shoe and preferably leave the heel exposed. The arms are sufficiently wide to cover a topline of the shoe and an upper portion of a shoe quarter. The arms extend rearwardly from the toe cup past the user's ankle and are joined behind the user's ankle. The arms and the toe cup define an open area around the shoe's heel. Releasable securing means, e.g. hook and mesh fastener, are joined behind the ankle to hold the shoe cover in place and to complete the covering of the shoe's topline. The releasable securing means provides tensile force between a front and a rear of the shoe cover. The construction provides adequate tensile strength for holding the cover to a shoe and around an ankle as a user moves, maintaining the shape of the shoe cover.

Hair stylist often wear fashionable shoes appropriate for the atmosphere being set in the salon. Some stylists wear fashionable athletic shoes often coordinated to their outfit and the salon atmosphere. Fashionable athletic shoes are very often expensive. The shoe cover protects shoes of a user from liquid or solid matter falling from a source adjacent the user. Liquid matter generally comprises falling or splashing hair dye when a stylist is applying dye or highlights to a customer's hair. Solid matter most often comprises hair. The client's hair can be a source of staining liquid, namely hair dye dripping from the hair. The vessel holding the hair dye and a brush also comprise sources of undesired material. The hair stylist is generally standing next to a chair in which the customer is located. The hair stylist must be adjacent to a customer in order to perform the necessary operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a hair salon.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a hair stylist performing coloring operations on the hair of a client;

FIG. 1C is an illustration of falling matter above a work position and an operating position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a nominal Oxford shoe illustrating component terminology;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an exemplary athletic shoe illustrating its components;

FIG. 4 is an elevation of the shoe of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a shoe cover as worn by a hair stylist;

FIG. 6 is an elevation of a shoe cover placed on a shoe;

FIG. 7 is an elevation of the shoe cover partially broken away to illustrate engagement with the shoe;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an upper panel and a lower panel of the shoe cover prior to assembly;

FIG. 9A is a plan view of an upper panel and a lower panel of a right shoe cover in an embodiment in which separate shapes are provided for right and left shoes;

FIG. 9B is a plan view of an upper panel and a lower panel of a shoe cover for a left shoe;

FIG. 10 is a cross section of a shoe cover taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a cross section of the lower panel taken along lines 11-11 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of an upper panel and a lower panel assembled to form a shoe cover;

FIG. 13 is an elevation of one side of a shoe with a shoe cover placed on the shoe;

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of an opposite side of the shoe and shoe cover of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a rear elevation of the shoe and shoe cover of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an elevation of the shoe cover of FIG. 13 placed on a shoe of markedly different construction from the shoe of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bottom of a shoe interacting with a further embodiment of a shoe cover; and

FIG. 18 is a side elevation of the shoe and shoe cover of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A soft shoe cover is provided for protecting shoes from stains resulting from falling liquid or hair clippings and other undesirable matter. Among the many applications for the present subject matter is protection of shoes from hair dyes used by stylists. Also, the cover will prevent hair from lodging between a topline of a shoe and the user's foot or hosiery. The construction optimizes utility of the shoe cover with respect to risk of damage to the shoe. Selected portions of the shoe are left uncovered. This provides optimization of shoe protection versus safety. It contributes to both safety and utility. Safety is enhanced by leaving a heel uncovered to enable improved traction. Utility is enhanced by facilitating convenient placement and removal of the shoe cover.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a hair salon 1. A chair 2 is mounted on a floor 3 in a location described as a work position 4. Dye, coloring, highlighting, and foils are applied at the work position 4. The chair 2 and the work position 4 are included in a work station 5. A counter 6 is generally located in front of the chair 2. The salon 1 also includes a wash basin station 7.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a hair stylist performing coloring operations on the hair of a client. A hair stylist 12 stands adjacent a client 14 and works on the client 14. The counter 6 supports tools and materials 15. Most hair stylists 12 have a portable cart 16 that also holds tools and materials 15. A hair stylist's tools and materials 15 are many, including brushes, combs, mirrors, sprays, scissors, conditioners, and dye materials. Tools 15 may include a dish 8 holding material such as hair dye 10. A hair dying brush 17 with a handle 18 having bristles 19 is a common tool for applying hair dye 10. A tray 24 is provided for holding mechanical accessories such as clips. This can be found on the counter 6, on the portable cart 16, or in a pull out drawer 25.

The client 14 is positioned in the chair 2. A client's body 34 rests in the chair 2. A client's head 36 extends vertically from the body 34. Hair 40 extends from the client's head 36. The hair 40 comprises an object or workpiece 42 which is worked upon. A protective cape 44 is placed over the client's body 34. The client is in the salon 1 for the purpose of having the hair 40 colored and most often cut and styled.

The hair stylist 12 wears clothing 64 covered at least in part by an apron 66. The hair stylist 12 wears shoes 72 on feet 76. Hands 74 of the hair stylist 12 perform operations on the workpiece 42. Each of the shoes 72 is covered by a shoe cover 80 constructed in accordance with the present subject matter. For purposes of the present description one shoe 72 is illustrated as being uncovered and the other shoe 72 is shown with a shoe cover 80.

The hair stylist 12 stands in an operating position 86. The operating position 86 is adjacent the work position 4. The operation position 86 is relocated each time the hair stylist 12 moves. For purposes of the present description, “adjacent” means a position close enough to the work position 4 so that the hair stylist 12 can conveniently manipulate the workpiece 42.

FIG. 1C is an illustration of falling matter 10 above the work position 4 and the operating position 86. Since the operating position 86 remains adjacent the work position 4, the range of angles between the workpiece 42 and the shoes 72 is limited. Some areas of the shoe 72 are more vulnerable than others to damage from drops 90 of hair dye 10. Therefore, structure of the shoe cover 80 may be optimized as further described below in terms of need for protection versus operational utility and convenience in making and using a shoe cover 80.

The structure of the shoe cover 80 is designed to protect the most vulnerable parts of the shoe 72 from drops 90 by covering those parts of the shoe 72. The shoe cover 80 comprises a material resistant to penetration by the drops 90. Portions of the shoe 72 are deliberately left uncovered to provide operating advantages. For example, leaving a heel of the shoe 72 uncovered permits using traction afforded by the heel. The floor 3 around the salon chair 2 usually has some water from the client's washed hair and hair clippings 92 from trimming and cuttings while still working on a client's styling. This adds to the slipperiness of the floor 3. Traction provided by use of the exposed heel is a significant safety feature. Having a toe cup 142 (FIG. 5) facilitates putting on and removing the shoe cover 80 because it is not required to engage or disengage the shoe 72 completely from the shoe cover 80.

Calculations may be performed to determine the areas of the shoe having the greatest risk of damage from falling hair dye 10. In one example, the hairdresser 12 may hold the brush 17 at a height of 3½ feet above the floor 3. If a drop 90 falls from the brush 17, it is likely that neither the hair stylist 12 nor the client 14 will notice the short time that it takes the drop 90 to reach the floor 3. The relationship of distance of fall to time is s=½ at² where s is the distance in feet above the floor 3, namely 3.5 feet, a is the acceleration of gravity, namely 32 ft. per second per second, and t is the time of travel. Solving for t yields t=0.47 seconds.

In all likelihood, the hair stylist 12 will be concentrating on the task at hand rather than looking for drops 90 of hair dye. It may be concluded that it is a virtual certainty that drops 90 will reach the floor. Within the time interval between 0 and t, the drop 90 is also free to move horizontally. Horizontal movement of the drop 90 may result from horizontal force imparted by movement of the brush 17. Since the operating position 86 is adjacent the work position 4, it is highly likely that drops 90 will reach the shoe 72 of the hair stylist 12.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate the structure of shoes and the components of a shoe that are referred to in this description. The shoe cover 80 (FIG. 1B) is provided to have a tolerance which will accommodate shoe sizes of the vast majority of users. In women's shoe sizes over the range of size 4 through size 12, the difference in length is 2 and 11/16 inches (approximately 2.7 inches) or 6.8 cm. In men's shoe sizes over the range of size 6 through size 14, the difference in length is 2 and ⅝ inches or 6.7 cm. In the present specification the term shoe includes these standard dimensions of women's and men's shoes.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a nominal Oxford shoe 100 illustrating component terminology. The reference numerals in FIG. 2 are the same as reference numerals in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 for corresponding components. The terminology defines relationships between sections of the shoe 100. An upper 110 comprises a toe 124, a vamp 126, and a quarter 130. The vamp 126 is a section of the upper 110 which covers the front of the foot 76 as far back as a joint with the quarter 130. Shoe designs may use a continuous piece of leather for the vamp 126 and quarter 130. The quarter 130 comprises rear and sides of the upper 110 that covers a heel 150. The heel 150 is the part of a sole 120 that raises the rear of the shoe 100 in relation to the front of the shoe. A forward portion of the sole 120 is in registration with the toe 124. A heel seat 154 is the top of the heel 150 that touches the upper 110. The vamp 126 comprises a throat 134. The throat 134 is a front of the vamp 126 adjacent the toe 124. A topline 138 is a top edge of the upper 110. The sole 120 comprises an outsole 140 which touches the ground and an insole 142 in the interior of the shoe 100 against which the user's foot rests. The upper 110 is attached to the outsole 140 at a welt 146.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an exemplary athletic shoe 100 illustrating its components. FIG. 4 is an elevation of the shoe of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are taken together. The descriptions of the shoe herein provide reference points for the construction of the shoe cover 80. The terminology defines relative spatial relationships. The spatial relationships remain the same even though different shoes will have different forms. Different forms include flats, Oxfords, high heels, sneakers, stilettos, and boots. Standard definitions of shoe components do not delineate exact boundaries, such as between a toe and a vamp. The vamp is the front and center part of a shoe's upper that covers the top of the foot. In some forms of shoes, e.g., the Oxford, the vamp covers the entire surface of the foot between the toes and the ankle. In other forms, e.g., heels, pumps, and stilettos, the vamp covers a rear portion of the toes and exposes the entire top of the foot. The exact boundaries of each component need not be known in order for one skilled in the art to follow the teachings herein and provide the shoe cover 80 in accordance with the present subject matter. The present description will instruct those skilled in the art on how to make and use the shoe cover 80.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate an athletic shoe 100 since many hair stylists may utilize an athletic shoe. The terminology used to describe shoe structure is taken from terminology used to describe leather shoes. The terminology defines relationships between sections of the shoe. The shoe 100 commonly comprises an upper 110 and a sole 120. The upper 110 comprises a toe 124, a vamp 126 and a quarter 130. The quarter 130 comprises rear and upper sides of the upper 110 that covers a heel of a foot of a user. The vamp 126 covers the front of a foot and extends as far back as a transition to the quarter 130. The vamp 126 comprises a throat 134. The throat 134 is at the front of the vamp 126 adjacent the toe 124. A topline 138 comprises a top edge of the upper 110.

The sole 120 comprises an outsole 140 which touches the ground and an insole 142 in the interior of the shoe 100 against which the user's foot rests. The upper 110 is attached to the outsole 140 at a welt 146. A heel 150 is at the rear of the shoe 100 and supports a heel of a user's foot. In a men's Oxford shoe or in a woman's pump, the heel 150 is seen as a separate component. For purposes of the present description, the heel of an athletic shoe may be viewed as a rear portion of the outsole 140. A heel seat 154 may be provided between the heel 150 and the quarter 130. The sole 120 comprises a ball location 158 in registration with a position for a ball of a foot on the insole 142.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a shoe cover 80 as worn by a hair stylist 12 (FIG. 1B). FIG. 6 is an elevation of a shoe cover 80 placed on a shoe 72. FIG. 7 is an elevation of the shoe cover 80 partially broken away to illustrate engagement with the shoe 72. FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 are taken together.

The shoe cover 80 comprises a forward portion 202 which receives a toe 124 of the shoe 72, i.e., the front of the shoe. A central portion 204 covers the vamp 126 and preferably covers the topline. A rear portion 206 surrounds the quarter 130 and has an upper position located above a topline of the shoe. The rear portion 206 is unitary with the central portion 204 and the forward portion 202. The central section and the rear section define a contour extending from the rear of the shoe to the forward portion 202. The contour exposes the heel 150 of the shoe. The rear portion 206 comprises releasable securing means. The releasable securing means is closeable behind the rear of the shoe and provides the tensile force to maintain the soft shoe cover on the shoe. In one preferred form, the rear portion 206 is cut away to leave the heel 150 and a lower portion of the quarter 130 exposed. This construction enhances safety because full traction afforded by the heel 150 is allowed.

The shoe cover 80 comprises an upper panel 220. The upper panel 220 includes the forward portion 202, the central portion 204 and the rear portion 206. A lower panel 240 is provided to cover a forward portion of the outsole 140. The lower panel is a component covering a forward portion of the sole and has a rear border extending in a linear direction from a first lateral side of the shoe cover to a second lateral side of the shoe cover. Alternatively, the rear border has a curvature such that at a center of a curve, the rear border is intermediate a ball position on a sole of the shoe and the front of the shoe (FIG. 17). For convenience in manufacture, the upper panel 220 and the lower panel 240 are sewn together at a seam 248. However, the upper panel 220 and the lower panel 240 need not necessarily be discrete components. A unitary shoe cover 80 may still be viewed as incorporating the upper panel 220 and the lower panel 240.

The lower panel 240 and the forward portion 202 of the upper panel 220 form a toe cup 250. The toe cup 250 comprises a forward portion of the shoe cover 80. The central portion 204 is intermediate the toe cup 250 and the rear portion 206. The rear portion comprises a first arm 256 and a second arm 258 which each extend rearwardly on opposite lateral sides of the shoe cover 80. The direction from the front to the rear of the shoe 72 is referred to as the longitudinal direction. The first arm 256 extends past the quarter 130 on one side of the shoe 72. The second arm 258 extends past the quarter 130 on an opposite side of the shoe 72. The first arm 256 has a first end fastener 260. The second arm 258 has a second end fastener 262. The first end fastener 260 and the second end fastener 262 comprise a releasable securing means 264. Many forms of releasable securing means 264 may be used. Laces or buttons could be used. Most conveniently, the releasable securing means 264 may comprise a hook and mesh fastener, often referred to by the trademark Velcro®. The arms 256 and 258 are constructed to cover the topline 138 of the shoe 72. The lower portion of the quarter 130 and the heel 150 are deliberately left exposed. In this manner, falling hair is prevented from entering the shoe 72. In one form the arms 256 and 258 may extend up a shin of the hair stylist 12 in order to cover a boot. The shoe cover 80 defines a lower contour extending from a point in vertical registration with the vamp 126 to a position at the rear of the shoe 72 along the quarter vertically intermediate a heel 150 and a topline 138.

A tag 266 is provided. In one preferred form the tag 266 is located on the arm 256. Graphic material on the tag 266 may include a logo. A tag 268 is provided inside the shoe cover 80 with fabric details and care instructions. In the present illustration, the tag 268 is shown as being sewn to the second arm 258 and turned up to be visible.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an upper panel 220 and a lower panel 240 of the shoe cover 80 prior to assembly. The upper panel 220 is shaped such that the forward portion 202 and the first and second arms 256 and 258 will provide the shape seen in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, namely covering the topline 138 and the vamp 126. The heel 150 (FIG. 6) remains exposed below the portion of the first and second arms 256 and 258 protecting the topline 138. A sewing line 300 is provided adjacent a boundary 304 of the forward portion 202 that enables fastening to the lower panel 240.

The lower panel 240 comprises a sewing line 310 in a position to be in registration with the sewing line 300 during assembly. In one preferred form, the shoe cover 80 is produced by sewing the upper panel 220 and the lower panel 240 along the sewing lines 300 and 310 and then turning the sewn piece inside out. Other methods of fastening may be used such as an adhesive or rivets. However, sewing is the most flexible method at the present time.

FIG. 9A is a bottom plan view of an upper panel 220 and a lower panel 240 of a right shoe cover 80R in an embodiment in which separate shapes are provided for right and left shoes. FIG. 9B is a bottom plan view of an upper panel 221 and a lower panel 241 of a shoe cover for a left shoe 80L. In FIG. 9A and in FIG. 9B, the term outer with respect to each shoe is used to describe an orientation away from the other shoe. The term inner with respect to each shoe is used to describe an orientation toward the other shoe.

The outer portion of the right shoe cover upper panel 220 covers the right shoe 72. The upper panel 220 has an outer boundary 260 as seen in FIG. 9A. The inner portion of the right shoe cover upper panel 220 comprises an inner boundary 262 on the left side of this right shoe 72. The outer portion of the left shoe cover upper panel 221 covers the left shoe 72. The upper panel 221 comprises an outer boundary 261 as seen in FIG. 9B. The inner portion of the left shoe cover upper panel 221 comprises an inner boundary 263 on the right side of the left shoe 72.

In each of the upper panels 220 and 221 an outer portion is wider than an inner portion. This shape will follow the contour of the shoe 72. Each shoe cover 80 is assembled. The soft shoe cover has a first lateral side of the shoe cover having a larger curvature than a second lateral side of the shoe cover. The second lateral side of the shoe cover has an indentation intermediate the front section and the rear section, such that separate shoe cover shapes may be provided to accommodate a right shoe or a left shoe. The soft shoe cover comprises an upper portion including the portions of the rear section, the central section, and the forward section in registration with an upper of the shoe and in registration with a substantially planar lower portion in registration with a forward half of a lower of the shoe. The soft shoe cover has an upper portion comprising a discrete layer formed by a flat pattern to form an enclosure for a shoe. The lower portion completes an enclosure for a forward portion of the shoe. An example of the discrete layer is the upper panel 220. An example of the lower portion is the lower panel 240. The shoe cover 80R comprising an upper panel 220 will fit a right shoe. The shoe cover 80L comprising an upper panel 221 will fit a left shoe. The upper panels 220 and 221 may have a general contour to provide a usable fit for a number of different forms of shoes. Alternatively, the upper panels 220 and 221 may be designed for a specific type of shoe. In an alternative embodiment in order to accommodate a design for a specific type of shoe, the arm 256 (FIG. 8) and the arm 258 do not need to have equal widths. Right and left shoe covers may be packaged as pairs. Alternatively, separate dispensers containing right shoe covers 80R or left shoe covers 80L may be provided.

FIG. 10 is a cross section of a shoe cover taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a cross section of the lower panel taken along lines 11-11 of FIG. 8. The upper panel 220 may take many forms. In one embodiment the upper panel 220 comprises a fabric 320. The fabric 320 comprises at least one layer.

In one preferred embodiment the upper panel 220 and lower panel 240 each comprise a single layer. The single layer may be an untreated fabric selected for a characteristic, such as, strength or the potential decoration. In one preferred form the shoe cover 80 comprises a textile. One side of the fabric 320 may be treated with a coating having a selected property. One property could be repelling liquid. Another property could be a nonskid coating. These are examples.

In another preferred form the textile fabric 320 comprises two layers. The fabric 320 in the present illustration comprises an upper layer 322 and a lower layer 324. The upper layer 322 comprises the outside of the upper panel 220. In one embodiment the first, upper layer 322 and the second, lower layer 324 each extend in an opposite direction from a substrate 316. In another embodiment, the fabric 320 comprises discrete upper and lower layers 322 and 324. The layers 322 and 324 are fastened together. When the upper layer 322 contacts the shoe 72, it is an inner layer. When the lower layer 324 contacts a floor, it is an outer layer. In one embodiment the inner layer has a coefficient of friction selected to facilitate insertion of the shoe into the toe cup. The outer layer has a coefficient of friction selected to prevent sliding with respect to a smooth floor.

The layers 322 and 324 are selected in accordance with properties desired by a user. In one form the upper layer 322 comprises a porous fabric. The porous fabric will absorb any dripped hair dye 10 (FIG. 1B). The hair dye 10 will not flow onto other objects. In another form, the upper panel 220 may comprise a layer with a non-porous surface. The non-porous surface may be made of a water resistant material. A design may be applied to the upper layer 322. The design may comprise individualization such as a name, a name and logo of a hair salon, illustrations, or a meme.

The inside of the upper panel 220, namely the lower layer 324, will be cotton or other soft fabric to facilitate easy insertion of the shoe 72. In one preferred embodiment, the fabric 320 is stretchable to fit different size shoes 72 within a size range.

The upper panel 220 and the lower panel 240 may be of the same or different materials. The upper panel 220 may comprise a plurality of layers. A number of different materials may be used in different embodiments. The materials are selected in accordance with various properties. In one embodiment the outside of the upper panel 220 and the lower panel 240 will be waterproof and stain proof. In addition, the outside of the lower panel 240 will be slip resistant. The inside of each panel needs to have a surface that facilitates sliding against a shoe 72. The lower panel 240 may have material selected in accordance with the type of shoe to be covered. More specifically, one material may be provided to facilitate sliding along a rubber sole. Another material may be provided to facilitate sliding against a leather or plastic sole.

FIG. 11 is a cross section of the lower panel 240 taken along lines 11-11 of FIG. 8. The lower panel 240 comprises a fabric 360 with an upper, or interior, layer 362. The fabric 360 also comprises a lower layer 364. The upper layer 362 is selected to move easily against an outsole of a shoe 72. The selection of the material for upper layer 362 should allow for ease of movement against the shoe 72 when putting on or taking off the shoe cover 80. However, the material should not be one that readily permits sliding of the sole 120 (FIG. 7) against the upper layer 362. The lower layer 364 may comprise a nonskid surface having nonskid components such as rubber dots or a fully rubberized surface.

The construction as illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 permits the selection of a wide range of properties to suit different objectives. Objectives may include adaptability of one shoe cover 80 to fit over different types of shoes 72. This attribute is discussed with respect to FIG. 12 through FIG. 16.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of an upper panel 220 and a lower panel 240 assembled to form a shoe cover 80. The lower panel 240 comprises a rear boundary 270. The space between the rear boundary 270 and the upper panel 220 forms an opening defining an entrance 274 to the toe cup 250. The hair stylist 12 (FIG. 1) will insert the front of a shoe 72 into the entrance 274. In grasping the rear ends of the arms 256 and 258 the stylist 12 will bring the

surfaces in engagement with each side of the shoe 72. The arms 256 and 258 will bend to assume a substantially vertical orientation. The hair stylist 12 will close the releasable securing means 264. The shoe 72 will then be covered and protected during work on a client 14. This closure is most conveniently performed using a Velcro® hook and mesh fastener. The hair stylist 12 may quickly and conveniently cover both shoes 72. Deployment of the shoe covers 80 may be safely accomplished at the work station 5 (FIG. 1A). The ease of slipping these on and off does not detract from the work timing or add large portions of time to the stylist's work.

FIG. 13 is an elevation of one side of a shoe 72 with a shoe cover 80 placed on the shoe 72. FIG. 14 is an elevation view of an opposite side of the shoe 72 and shoe cover 80 of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a rear elevation of the shoe 72 and shoe cover 80 of FIG. 13. FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15 are taken together. In this embodiment, the shoe 72 comprises some form of recreational shoe, such as a tennis shoe or a boat shoe. The shoe cover 80 in one embodiment is a textile made of elastomeric material. Elastomeric material will accommodate a wide range of shoe dimensions. The shoe 72 in FIG. 13 has a thicker sole 140 than the shoe 72 of FIG. 2. Therefore, the seam 248 may be at a different distance from the floor 3. This positionability of the seam 248 allows for fit for differing types or sizes of shoes 72. In this embodiment the rear boundary 270 of the toe cup 250 is in registration with a midpoint of the vamp 126. FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 illustrate the manner in which the shoe cover 80 engages with various portions of the shoe 72.

As seen in FIG. 13, the arm 258 is formed to cover the outer side of the upper 110 of the shoe 72. An outline 402 of the topline 138 (FIG. 7) is seen on the shoe cover 80. As seen in FIG. 14, the outline 402 of the topline 138 indicates that the topline 138 is asymmetric. This construction demonstrates that a wide variety of topline shapes are protected by one set of dimensions in the shoe cover 80. The arm 256 is higher cut to expose more of the vamp 126 and quarter 130. For greatest convenience in fastening the arms 256 and 258, these arms are contoured to have the same width at their respective ends 260 and 262. As seen in FIG. 15, the shoe cover 80 clings closely to the outer surfaces of the shoe 72. The heel 150 is exposed and is not covered by the shoe cover 80. Exposure of the heel 150 plays a big factor in balance and stability. The traction provided does not lend itself to slippage due to shoe cover material. This structure represents an optimization of shoe protection versus functionality. The heel 150 is in a position that is much less likely to receive drops 90 of hair dye 10 than the toe 124. This slight exposure allows for significant increase in safety. A large portion of the outsole 140 is enabled to engage the floor 3.

FIG. 16 is an elevation of the shoe cover 80 of FIG. 13 placed on a shoe 72 of markedly different construction from the shoe 72 of FIG. 13. The shoe 72 in FIG. 16 is a low boot with a heel 150. This is a popular shoe as are all fashion boots as of the time of filing. To accommodate this fit, the seam 248 is in registration with a junction of the upper 110 and the lower 120 at a forward extremity of the forward portion 202. The upper portion and the lower portion are dimensioned so that the seam 248 is intermediate the welt and the vamp at a rear boundary of the toe cup 250. At the border 270 the seam 248 is at a maximum distance from the outsole 130. This boot has a topline 138 which has a significant vertical dimension as opposed to the majority of toplines 138 which are substantially horizontal. The arms 256 and 258 cover a majority of the topline 138. In this embodiment the shoe cover 80 clings to the outer surface of the shoe 72. It is seen that the present construction allows for optimized construction with a single shape that will interact with a wide range of shoes. This will be a successful interaction in terms of protection, safety, and convenience.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bottom of a shoe interacting with a alternative embodiment of a shoe cover. FIG. 18 is a side elevation of the shoe and shoe cover of FIG. 17. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are taken together. A shoe cover 400 comprises a further embodiment of the shoe cover 80. The shoe cover 400 comprises an upper panel 420 and a lower panel 440. The upper panel 420 and the lower panel 440 are joined at a seam 448. In one preferred embodiment the upper panel 420 and the lower panel 440 each are made of a fabric comprising an 80% polyester and 20% spandex blend. This fabric is stain resistant and water resistant.

The lower panel 440 is formed with a rear boundary 470 at an opposite extremity from the seam 448. The boundary 470 is curved to extend from opposite sides of the toe cup 450 over the sole 460. The boundary 470 extends toward the front of the shoe 72 and is shaped to leave the ball portion 158 of the sole 120 exposed. The boundary 470 may have a number of shapes provided that ball 158 is exposed. The boundary 470 may be approximately parabolic. In this embodiment the lower panel 440 is rounded. Some embodiments have additional fabric to make the lower panel 440 wider. This provides more room for insertion of the toe 124 into the shoe cover 400. This also provides for less wear and tear. It enables flattening out the extra fabric at the right and left corners of the vamp area.

Although the foregoing description has specified certain structures and materials that may be used in the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications and substitutions may be made. Accordingly, it is intended that all such modifications, alterations, substitutions, and additions be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, it is appreciated that the figures provided herein illustrate only selected embodiments that pertain to the practice of the present invention. Thus the present invention is not limited to the structures described herein. 

1. A soft shoe cover for protecting shoes from stains and particulate matter comprising: a toe cup, said toe cup comprising a forward portion of said shoe cover formed to receive a forward portion of a shoe, the forward portion of the shoe comprising a toe and a forward portion of a sole; a rear portion surrounding a quarter of the shoe; a central portion intermediate said toe cup and said rear portion, said central portion covering an area comprising a vamp; a first arm integral with said toe cup and extending rearwardly from a first lateral side of said toe cup in a longitudinal direction, said first arm having a length to extend beyond a quarter of the shoe; a second arm integral with said toe cup and extending rearwardly from an opposite lateral side of said toe cup in a longitudinal direction, said second arm having a length to extend beyond a quarter of the shoe; releasable securing means at an end of each of said first arm and said second arm; said first arm and said second arm each being proportioned to cover a topline of the shoe and to leave a lower portion of the quarter and the heel exposed; and said shoe cover defining a lower contour extending from a point in vertical registration with a vamp to a position at the rear of the shoe along the quarter intermediate a heel and a topline.
 2. The soft shoe cover according to claim 1 wherein said toe cup comprises an upper panel of said shoe cover and a lower panel of said shoe cover, each comprising a discrete piece.
 3. The soft shoe cover according to claim 2 wherein said upper panel and said lower panel are joined at a seam.
 4. The soft shoe cover according to claim 3 wherein said upper panel and said lower panel are dimensioned so that said seam at a front of a shoe cover is formed at a position in registration with the front of a welt of the shoe.
 5. The soft shoe cover according to claim 4 wherein said upper panel and said lower panel are dimensioned so that said seam is intermediate a welt and vamp at a rear boundary of said toe cup.
 6. The soft shoe cover according to claim 3 wherein said shoe cover comprises a textile.
 7. The soft shoe cover according to claim 6 wherein said textile is elastomeric.
 8. The soft shoe cover according to claim 6 wherein said textile comprises an inner layer having a coefficient of friction selected to facilitate insertion of the shoe into the toe cup and an outer layer having a coefficient of friction selected to prevent sliding with respect to a smooth floor.
 9. The soft shoe cover according to claim 6 wherein said textile comprises a substrate comprising said first layer on one side of the substrate and said second layer on an opposite side of said substrate.
 10. The soft shoe cover according to claim 1 wherein a lower panel is a component covering a forward portion of the sole and has a rear border extending in a linear direction from a first lateral side of said shoe cover to a second lateral side of said shoe cover.
 11. The soft shoe cover according to claim 1 wherein said lower portion has a rear border having a curvature such that at a center of a curve, the rear border is intermediate a ball position on a sole of the shoe and the front of the shoe.
 12. A soft shoe cover construction including covering for selected portions of the shoe and uncovering of other portions of the shoe for optimizing shoe protection versus safety comprising: a forward section, a central section, and a rear section; releasable securing means providing tensile force between a front and a rear of said shoe cover; a forward portion for receiving a front of a shoe; said rear portion being unitary with said central portion and said forward portion and comprising said releasable securing means; said releasable securing means being closeable behind the rear of the shoe to provide the tensile force to maintain the soft shoe cover on the shoe; and said forward portion surrounding a toe of the shoe, said rear portion having an upper position located above a topline of the shoe, said central section and rear section defining a contour extending from the rear of the shoe to the forward portion, the contour exposing the heel of the shoe.
 13. The soft shoe cover according to claim 12 wherein said rear portion comprises first and second arms on opposite lateral sides of said shoe cover.
 14. The soft shoe cover according to claim 13 wherein said shoe cover comprises a textile having a single layer.
 15. The soft shoe cover according to claim 13 wherein said central portion is formed to cover a vamp and a topline.
 16. The soft shoe cover according to claim 13 wherein a first lateral side of a shoe cover has a larger curvature than a second lateral side of said shoe cover and wherein the second lateral side of the shoe cover has an indentation intermediate said front section and said rear section, whereby separate shoe cover shapes may be provided to accommodate a right shoe or a left shoe.
 17. The soft shoe cover according to claim 12 comprising an upper portion including the portions of said rear section, said central section, and said forward section in registration with an upper of the shoe and registration with a substantially planar lower portion in registration with a forward half of a lower of the shoe.
 18. The soft shoe cover according to claim 17 wherein said upper portion comprises a discrete layer formed by a flat pattern to form an enclosure for a shoe and wherein said lower portion completes an enclosure for a forward portion of the shoe.
 19. The soft shoe cover according to claim 17 wherein said upper portion is formed of a non-porous water resistant material.
 20. The soft shoe cover according to claim 18 wherein said lower portion comprises a nonskid surface. 